Stable Plug-In Connection
Track sections are connected without separate tools. The connectors align the rails and support reliable electrical contact.
Kato UNITRACK with Integrated Roadbed
Kato N Gauge Track | UNITRACK Product Overview
The illustrated overview of currently listed Kato UNITRACK for N gauge: straight track, short compensation sections, fixed curves, buffer stops, electric turnouts and matching control accessories.
N gauge
1:160 scale
9 mm track gauge
2.2 mm rail height
integrated roadbed
UNITRACK plug-in system
Range reviewed:
Quick to Assemble, Securely Connected and Easy to Change
What is the Kato UNITRACK system for N gauge?
Kato UNITRACK is an N gauge track system with integrated roadbed. Rails, sleepers and the grey-speckled roadbed form one stable track element. Routes can therefore be assembled, tested, altered and rebuilt quickly.
The track belongs to N gauge at a scale of 1:160. The model track gauge is 9 millimetres. The listed standard track has a rail height of 2.2 millimetres, a roadbed width of 25 millimetres and an overall height of approximately 7.3 millimetres.
The plug-in system connects the rail ends mechanically and electrically. The sections click distinctly into place and therefore remain dimensionally stable even on temporary table, floor or test layouts.
Straights of different lengths close gaps in a track plan. Fixed curves cover radii from 183 to 718 millimetres. Electric left- and right-hand turnouts create passing loops, stations and storage tracks.
The integrated roadbed can remain visible or be blended into a landscaped layout. For permanent installation, the base, transitions, electrical power feeds and future accessibility should nevertheless be planned carefully.
Integrated Track Roadbed
The fixed roadbed simplifies rapid assembly and provides a stable, repeatable track position on level surfaces.
Coordinated Track Geometry
Different straight lengths, angles and radii can be combined to form circles, parallel routes, stations and passing loops.
Fixed Radii and Defined Curve Angles
Compare Kato N Gauge Radii and Curve Angles
The currently listed range includes curve radii from 183 to 718 millimetres. Eight 45-degree sections, twelve 30-degree sections or twenty-four 15-degree sections form a complete circle. The minimum radius specified by the vehicle manufacturer remains decisive.
| Product | Radius | Angle | Circle Requires | Planning Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-172 | 183 mm | 45° | 8 sections | Very compact radius; check vehicle specifications carefully |
| 20-170 | 216 mm | 45° | 8 sections | Compact layouts, test circles and branch lines |
| 20-100 | 249 mm | 45° | 8 sections | Compact standard circle using few track sections |
| 20-101 | 249 mm | 15° | 24 sections | Fine angle division at a radius of 249 mm |
| 20-110 | 282 mm | 45° | 8 sections | Larger parallel circle and visible routes |
| 20-111 | 282 mm | 15° | 24 sections | Partial curves and geometric compensation |
| 20-120 | 315 mm | 45° | 8 sections | More generous routes for longer vehicles |
| 20-130 | 348 mm | 30° | 12 sections | Even circle with finer division |
| 20-132 | 348 mm | 45° | 8 sections | Large radius using fewer track connections |
| 20-140 | 381 mm | 30° | 12 sections | Visible main lines and longer train formations |
| 20-160 | 481 mm | 15° | 24 sections | Radius matching the electric turnout geometry |
| 20-150 | 718 mm | 15° | 24 sections | Very generous visible curves and station approaches |
Observe Vehicle Radii
A technically available track radius is not automatically suitable for every vehicle. Long passenger coaches and multiple units benefit significantly from larger radii.
Plan Parallel Tracks
The electric turnout geometry uses a parallel track spacing of 33 millimetres. Platforms, signals and overhead-line equipment must be positioned accordingly.
Align System Transitions
When connecting other N gauge track systems, the rail profile, roadbed height and track centreline must be aligned cleanly and mechanically.
Product Images, Catalogue Numbers and Direct Shop Links
All Kato N Gauge UNITRACK Products by Product Group
Every item receives its own product card with a catalogue number, precise description, permanently assigned main image and direct product link. Search terms can include “20-000”, “248 mm”, “R 249”, “compensation track”, “left-hand turnout” or “24-840”.
The product images are permanently assigned to the linked
shop products. Image addresses are not calculated from
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No Kato N gauge product was found for this entry.
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From the First Test Circle to a Permanent Landscaped Layout
Planning, Connecting and Operating Kato UNITRACK Correctly
Even rapidly assembled track with roadbed benefits from a scale track plan, level base, sufficiently large radii and readily accessible electrical connections.
Temporary Layouts
The stable roadbed and plug-in system are suitable for table layouts, floor railways, test circles and track plans that are altered regularly.
Permanent Model Railway Layouts
For permanent installation, roadbed edges, gaps and adjacent scenery can be detailed with colour and additional ballast.
Test Track and Hidden Yard
The dimensionally stable geometry simplifies vehicle tests, trial running and clearly organised concealed storage areas.
Step 1
Match Vehicles and Radii
Check the minimum radius of the longest locomotives, coaches and multiple units before buying track.
Step 2
Define the Track Plan and Lengths
Plan straights, curves and turnouts together. Short track and the compensation set close remaining gaps.
Step 3
Plan Electrics and Turnouts
Determine power feeds, turnout cables and switches before the track area is covered or integrated into the scenery.
Step 4
Carry Out Extensive Test Running
Test every route with different vehicles, directions and speeds before fixing the track permanently.
Avoid Common Assembly Errors
- Building the track on an uneven or flexible surface
- Connecting sections at an angle or forcing them together
- Using the smallest radius without checking the vehicles
- Planning turnout cables and switches only after landscaping
- Connecting other track systems without height compensation
- Installing concealed turnouts and connections without access
Guidance for Plug-In Connections and Electric Turnouts
Track sections should be aligned straight and pushed together completely. For electric turnouts, observe the relevant connection instructions, intended power supply and compatible Kato control components.
Answers About the System, Radii and Product Selection
Frequently Asked Questions About Kato N Gauge UNITRACK
The following answers provide guidance about roadbed, track gauge, track geometry, compensation track, electric turnouts, control and permanent layout installation.
What does Kato UNITRACK mean?
UNITRACK is the Kato track system with an integrated roadbed and stable plug-in connection. The track can be connected quickly and separated again when required.
What track gauge does Kato N gauge UNITRACK use?
The model track gauge is 9 millimetres. N gauge generally represents standard-gauge vehicles at a scale of 1:160.
Does Kato N gauge track include a roadbed?
Yes. The listed UNITRACK products include an integrated grey-speckled plastic roadbed.
Which fixed radii are available?
The current overview includes radii of 183, 216, 249, 282, 315, 348, 381, 481 and 718 millimetres.
How many curved sections form a circle?
Eight sections are required for 45-degree curves, twelve for 30-degree curves and twenty-four for 15-degree curves.
What is compensation track set 20-091 used for?
The set contains short track sections for finely adjusting a track plan. They can close small remaining differences in length.
What is the difference between 20-040 and 20-045?
Both products concern short straight sections measuring approximately 62 millimetres. Product 20-040 is sold as straight track, while 20-045 is a connector track.
Do the Kato turnouts include electric drives?
Turnouts 20-220 and 20-221 include an integrated, low-profile solenoid drive. They are controlled through a two-pole connection cable.
What geometry do the electric turnouts use?
The left- and right-hand turnouts have a diverging radius of 481 millimetres and an angle of 15 degrees.
What is switch 24-840 used for?
Kato 24-840 is a control module for Kato turnouts. It can be mounted at the side of a compatible Kato Power Pack.
Can UNITRACK be installed permanently?
Yes. The track can be installed on a permanent layout and integrated into the scenery. Extensive test running should be completed before permanent fixing.
Can UNITRACK be connected to other N gauge track?
A transition is generally possible when the track gauge, rail height, roadbed height and track centreline are aligned mechanically. The systems should not be connected while under tension.
Continue Planning and Select Matching Components
Related Topics for Your N Gauge Model Railway Layout
Kato Manufacturer Range
Discover Kato vehicles, track, starter sets and accessories.
Straight and Curved Track
Compare further N gauge track, lengths, radii and systems.
Turnouts and Track Connections
Select left-hand turnouts, right-hand turnouts and further routes.
Track Accessories
Add electrical equipment, switches, connectors and installation aids.
Compare Track Systems
Understand roadbed, rail height, geometry and transitions.
Plan a Model Railway
Define the space, radii, station, train length and electrics.
Gauge Comparison
Compare N gauge with Z, TT, H0 and other nominal sizes.
Model Railway Guide
Basic guidance about planning, electrics and layout design.
From the First UNITRACK Sections to a Complete Layout
Plan the radii, turnouts, power supply, train lengths and accessibility together before installing the track permanently and adding the surrounding scenery.